Wash ferry system thinking about reservations

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BREMERTON, Wash. -- Washington State Ferries will begin studying a vehicle reservation system soon and plans a pilot program on the Edmonds-Kingston route by 2011, ferry system Director David Moseley says.

Moseley told a community meeting here Monday that while the 2009 Legislature did not provide the money or authority to set up a reservation system, it did ask the ferry system to complete a report by Nov. 1 on what a reservation system might involve.

The Legislature also authorized the pilot program. Moseley said it would be on the Edmonds-Kingston route because it carries more cars than any other, has a large number of commercial vehicles and a growing number of commuters, the Kitsap Sun reported.

Ferry officials and state lawmakers like the idea of a reservation system because it would allow the best use of existing facilities, Moseley said. Drivers often line up on highways for hours waiting for boats, but expanding holding areas for vehicles would cost $280 million, he said.

If drivers had a space guaranteed for a certain sailing, they wouldn't need to show up early and wait in line.

Moseley said he doesn't anticipate charging a reservation fee, but a deposit would be required that would be part of the ticket price.

Moseley said he has contacted about a dozen ferry systems throughout the world about their reservations systems and was told the main reason they require them is for customer convenience.

As directed by the Legislature, the ferry system plans to boost fares for the first time in two years on Oct. 11. It will recommend a 2.5 percent increase to the state Transportation Commission this summer.

The one-way fare for a car and driver between Edmonds and Kingston currently is $11.55 and $14.45 in the summertime peak season.

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